I Have Never Applied for Social Security Disability – What Do I Do First?
If you’re living with a disability and unable to work, applying for Social Security Disability benefits may be the lifeline you need—but figuring out how to start can be overwhelming. At American Disability Action Group, we guide individuals across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana through every step of the process. Whether you’re considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both, understanding the process from the beginning is key to giving your claim the best chance of success.
Step 1: Understand the Two Main Programs
Before you apply, it’s important to know which type of Social Security benefits you may qualify for:
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Residents in Arkansas and Oklahoma who have worked in recent years may qualify for SSDI, while those with little to no work history—particularly in Mississippi or Louisiana where poverty rates are higher—may be more likely to qualify for SSI.
Step 2: Gather Your Medical and Work History
To start your application, you’ll need detailed information about your medical condition and employment history. Be prepared to provide:
- Dates of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and treatments
- Contact information for medical providers
- A list of medications
- Detailed work history for the past 15 years
- Recent W-2 forms or self-employment records (for SSDI)
Whether you’re in Tennessee or Texas, having this information ready will make the process smoother and prevent delays in your claim.
Step 3: Start the Application
You can apply in one of three ways:
- Online at SSA.gov – Available for SSDI claims and some SSI claims
- By phone – Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
- In person – Visit your local SSA office (call ahead to confirm office hours and appointment requirements)
If you’re in Louisiana or Mississippi, where internet access may be less reliable in rural areas, applying by phone or visiting an office might be your best option.
Step 4: Be Patient—but Stay Involved
The SSA can take three to six months (or longer) to make a decision on your initial application. While you wait, keep your medical records up to date and respond quickly to any requests for additional information. If you receive a denial, don’t give up—most people are denied at first, and you have the right to appeal.
Step 5: Get Help If You Need It
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to complete the application correctly, seek help from a qualified advocate or disability attorney. In Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana, there are experienced professionals who can walk you through the process and improve your chances of success.
At American Disability Action Group, our Arkansas & Nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance Attorneys help individuals in these states prepare strong claims and get the benefits they deserve. If you’re ready to take the first step toward applying for disability, reach out to us today.